Case Study: What Would You Do?

The case below involves situations where we are asked to act - but would we? The show "what would you do" shows that more often than not we don't. Why do you suppose that is? This is an opportunity to be really honest - not give me the answer you think is the right one. We all would like to think we would make the right choice, but we don't.

Instructions for this Assignment

• Read the Practice Case below, and pick one scenario.
• Remember - answer with what you WOULD do, which may be different than what you SHOULD do. Then try to explain why there is a difference if so.

What Would You Do? A popular U.S. TV show is titled "What Would You regular customer but you don't know the waitress Do?" Using actors and hidden cameras, the show presents a variety of scenarios of people acting out in 3. You observe a man accidentally dropping an expensituations, usually conflicts or poor treatment of some- sive bottle of wine in a liquor store when the manone, in a public setting. The show focuses on the reac- ager is not looking. The man turns to those around tions of the people watching what is being acted out, him and denies responsibility; he even tries to blame while not knowing that those engaged in the scenario a Latino maintenance employee who is working are just actors. The reactions of those watching the 4. A transgender woman named Amelia works as a John Quinones, comes ant from hiding and confronts those who have reacted and asks them why they did what they did. The customer begins to harass Amelia. tions, such as racial profiling occuring in a restaurant 5. A good friend of yours tells you he is planning to parents publically disapproving of their child's interracial he applies for the same job you are applying for. He dating, a pompous club promoter denying people entry says "it's not important that they know I just lived based on how they are dressed, teenagers taunting a needed a break." being insulted because of a disability. 6. At your place of employment, a customer paid too much for an order; but, your boss told you not to call you do? Why would you react the way you did? it to his attention. 1. Several young men and women are stealing items What would you do in each of these situations if you from an open house you are attending. You do not observed them occurring? know the hosts very well but you know most of Would your actions reflect "conventional" thinking those who are stealing. 2. A waitress is being hassled by her supervisor who is about business ethics? Would you react differently than using verbal sexual innuendo at the restaurant most people? Why? What would be the primary source of ethical norms where you are trying to enjoy your meal. You are a that would be at work in your thinking (see Figure 7-5)